Additional school places plan for north Leeds

Proposals to merge Allerton Grange high school and Moor Allerton Grange primary to form a through school with additional primary places were consulted on late last year.

Plans for additional primary school places in north Leeds are to be discussed at executive board on 7 Feb.

Proposals to merge Allerton Grange high school and Moor Allerton Grange primary to form a through school with additional primary places were consulted on late last year. A report summarising the consultation outcomes and proposing options to progress with the plans is due to be considered next week.

Following the withdrawal of the free school application by the Roundhay Park Primary Free school trust, the council are bringing forward plans to provide much needed additional primary school places in the area.

The updated proposal takes into account concerns from consultees including parents, staff and governors at Moor Allerton Hall about the timescales for the changes, the size of the expanded primary provision and concerns of those involved in the hearing impaired provision at the school to ensure that that would not be disrupted by the expansion and merger of the schools.

The report seeks permission from executive board to progress to the next phase of public consultation in the process.

Steve Walker, Director for Children and Families said:

“Securing additional permanent school places in Roundhay remains a priority for us. I’m pleased that we are able to continue bringing forward this innovative option based on a more holistic approach and focusing on the places needed themselves.

“We have addressed the issues raised by residents, parents and other stakeholders in the first part of the consultation process and a programme of support is in place for both schools in response to Ofsted inspection findings. This amended proposal forms a substantial part of the solution for providing additional primary school places in this part of the city”.